New Jersey Moves To Turn ‘Dying’ Office Parks Into Housing, Bypassing Local Red Tape
New Jersey could soon launch a program that cuts the red tape to allow vacant office parks to be converted into housing.
The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee pushed forward a bill, S-1766, that would let developers skip some local zoning rules to repurpose vacant office parks and retail centers. The goal is for these tired older spaces to be converted into housing.
Democratic state Sens. Troy Singleton of Burlington and Benjie Wimberly of Bergen sponsored the bill. Singleton said the bill could increase hosuing supply.
"We have large commercial properties across the state sitting partially vacant or economically distressed while families struggle to find attainable housing," Singleton said.
"This legislation helps modernize outdated zoning practices and creates a pathway to transform underutilized sites into vibrant mixed-use communities that can support housing, local businesses, and long-term economic growth."